Page:The Slave Girl of Agra.djvu/245

 for I have known you as boy and man. Young in years yet you have the wisdom of age."

Gokul Das was not usually demonstrative, but a great gladness filled his heart which he did not care to conceal on the present occasion.

"I desire, Gokul Das," went on young Sirish, without heeding the interruption, "that we should pay from our own vaults all the arrears of Birnagar in order to prevent its sale. I desire to hand over to Norendra Nath the estate of his grandfather."

If the ghost of Norendra Nath's grandfather had appeared in that dimly-lighted room that instant to defend his ancient property, Gokul Das could scarcely have been more confounded and bewildered. The smile disappeared from his face, and a cloud of anger, such as Sirish had never seen before on that inscrutable brow, darkened his countenance. But it was only momentary; Gokul Das wiped his brow and spoke calmly.

"Norendra Nath has served the Emperor for nine years at the risk of his life and with the bravery of his race. To such the Emperor grants a rich Jaigir, and he may not return to seek a petty estate in Bengal."

"I know Norendra Nath. No Jaigir in all India will make him forget his grandfather's estate."

"But he has never made an inquiry about his grandfather's estate these nine years. He may have reasons never to return to Birnagar."

"Speak plainly, Gokul Das, this is no time for riddles."

"Plainly would I speak if I did not fear to wound my Master's feelings. But I will obey him. As a young man he sought the hand of Hemlata. Having